New N.C. law increases small-claims limit to $ 10,000
Serge Semirog
A new NC law raises the dollar amount in controversy for getting a lawsuit into North Carolina smalls claims courts from $ 5,000 to $ 10,000.
In other words, now small-claims courts will be able to take claims for as much as $10,000, up from $5,000.
What does this mean for you?
Every county in North Carolina has a Small Claims Court, which is sometimes called Magistrate's Court. Small Claims Court is where people settle disputes regarding property or money.
Small Claims Court helps people resolve disputes over small amounts of money or personal property quickly, informally and easily.
The trial is quick and informal, usually lasting no more than 15 or 30 minutes. The procedure and rules of evidence are rather simplified, which makes it easier for parties to represent themselves without attorneys.
Small-claims courts have no juries, and presiding magistrates act somewhat like arbitrators and may not even be licensed attorneys.
Its worth noting that the small claims court is not used for criminal offenses, traffic tickets, or disagreements over child support, among other things.